Sensitive Teeth Virginia Beach, VA

Do you wince when you enjoy an ice cream or sip a hot coffee?

That sudden, sharp zing is a sign of tooth sensitivity. It happens when the inner, softer part of your tooth, called dentin, becomes exposed. Dentin is full of tiny tunnels that lead directly to your tooth’s nerve center. When hot, cold, sweet, or acidic things touch these tunnels, you feel pain.

At Coastal General Dentistry in Virginia Beach, we find the cause of your sensitivity and provide lasting relief. Often, a simple dental filling is the perfect solution to seal off the exposed areas and stop the pain for good. Dr. Sinclair and Dr. Reichley are your trusted local dental team for all your needs.

Signs & Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitivity is your tooth’s way of telling you something is wrong. The pain is usually quick and sharp, triggered by everyday things. You might feel it when you:

• Drink a cold beverage or eat something hot.
• Enjoy sweet or sour foods and candies.
• Breathe in cold air.
• Brush or floss your teeth.

This sensitivity doesn’t happen without a reason. The protective layers of your tooth have been worn down or damaged. Common causes we see include:

• Tooth Decay (Cavities): This is a major cause. Cavities are holes in your hard tooth enamel that expose the sensitive dentin underneath.
• Worn Tooth Enamel: Aggressive brushing, acidic foods and drinks, or teeth grinding can scrub away your enamel.
• Exposed Tooth Roots: If gums recede or pull away, the roots of your teeth become exposed. Roots are not covered by hard enamel and are very sensitive.
• Cracked Teeth or Old Fillings: A small crack or a worn-out filling can let sensations travel right to the tooth’s nerve.

If you’re feeling any sensitivity, don’t wait to contact our Virginia Beach dental office. Treating the problem early is much simpler, more comfortable, and can prevent you from needing a more involved procedure like a root canal.

How We Treat Sensitive Teeth in Virginia Beach, VA

Your road to relief starts with a gentle, thorough exam. Dr. Sinclair and Dr. Reichley will talk with you about what you’re feeling and carefully examine your teeth. We use digital X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface and to spot problems like decay between teeth or under old fillings. Our goal is to find the exact source of your sensitivity so we can fix it correctly.

Stopping Sensitivity with Dental Fillings

For many of our patients, sensitivity is directly caused by a cavity or a damaged filling. A dental filling is the most common and effective treatment to fix this. If a cavity is the culprit, we’ll gently remove the decayed part of the tooth. This cleans out the bacteria causing the problem.

Then, we fill the space with a strong, tooth-colored composite material. This filling acts as a new, artificial layer of enamel. It seals off the tiny tunnels in the dentin, blocking hot, cold, and sweet triggers from reaching the nerve. Finally your sensitivity will be gone!

We use only modern, white composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color. The process is comfortable, and we make sure you are completely numb.

Other Treatments for Lasting Comfort

Sometimes, sensitivity has a different cause. Our team provides a full range of solutions:

• Desensitizing Treatments: For mild sensitivity from gum recession, we can apply special desensitizing agents in the office or recommend a prescription-strength toothpaste.
• Dental Crowns: If a tooth is severely worn, cracked, or has a very large filling, a crown can cap and protect the entire tooth, ending sensitivity.
• Gum Grafting: For significant gum recession that exposes sensitive roots, we may recommend a minor procedure to cover and protect the area.
• Root Canal Therapy: If sensitivity is severe and constant because the tooth’s nerve is inflamed or infected, a root canal will remove the damaged nerve tissue. This procedure actually eliminates all feeling in the tooth, making it a permanent solution to the worst sensitivity.

Sensitive Teeth FAQs

Why are my teeth suddenly sensitive?

Sudden sensitivity often points to a new problem. You may have a new cavity, a small crack in a tooth, a filling that has come loose, or recent gum recession. It’s important to have us check it out to find and fix the cause quickly.

Can sensitive toothpaste fix my problem?

Sensitive toothpaste can help manage mild symptoms, especially for sensitivity caused by gum recession. It works by blocking the tiny tunnels in your dentin. However, it’s a band-aid, not a cure.

If your sensitivity is caused by a cavity or a crack, toothpaste cannot repair the tooth. You will need a professional treatment like a filling.

Will getting a filling hurt?

Your comfort is our priority at our Virginia Beach dental practice. Before we begin any filling procedure, we will numb the area completely with a local anesthetic. You should feel only slight pressure, not pain. For patients with anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry options to help you relax.

How long do white fillings last?

With good care, modern composite fillings can last for many years. Their lifespan depends on your oral hygiene, eating habits, and whether you grind your teeth. We will check the condition of your fillings at every routine check-up.

If my sensitivity stops, does that mean the problem is gone?

Not always. Sometimes, a tooth’s nerve can die slowly. The tooth may stop hurting because the nerve doesn’t work anymore, but the decay or infection is still there and can spread. This is why a professional diagnosis is so important. Our dentists can see problems you can’t feel.

Can teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

Yes, it’s common to have temporary sensitivity during or after a professional whitening treatment. Dentists use products and techniques to minimize this. Any sensitivity from whitening is usually short-term and different from the persistent sensitivity because of a dental problem.

Find Relief from Sensitive Teeth Today

You don’t have to live with the pain of sensitive teeth. Often, a simple filling is all it takes to get back to enjoying your favorite foods and drinks without fear. Call Coastal General Dentistry in Virginia Beach at 757-216-9914 or request your appointment online.